AstraZeneca
Location
Waltham, MA | United States
Job description
At AstraZeneca , we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe.
The Translational Medicine function exists within Hematology R&D to ensure effective and strategic biomarker studies for Hematology & Oncology project teams. Closely interacting with the pre-clinical Discovery, Early Clinical Development, and Precision Medicine & Biosamples diagnostics functions, Hematology Translational Medicine team is the single point of accountability for delivery of robust, scientifically-driven biomarkers to all Hematology project teams, providing feasibility assessments, technical validation, centralized biomarker analysis capability for clinical samples, delivery of translational science research and early clinical phase engagement.
The Translational Omics team within the Haematology Translational Medicine function leverages Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and other advanced technologies to deliver robust clinically-qualified omics biomarkers that will help guide dose selection, patient stratification as well as identification of exploratory biomarkers relevant for drug response/resistance in AstraZeneca clinical trial cases.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
You will be responsible for overseeing a small team of translational scientists utilizing a variety of innovative new omics technologies. These efforts will include:
Deliver translational omics information to AZ project teams and other partners using NGS and other leading-edge technologies
Develop and maintain internal genomics lab capability with a special focus on single-cell RNA Sequencing (scRNAseq) and liquid biopsy approaches (circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs).
Lead omics efforts focused on project needs to deliver clinically qualified biomarkers that will guide dose selection, schedule, patient stratification and selection
Identify exploratory biomarkers relevant for drug response/resistance, patient stratification, and disease progression
Development of novel blood-based MRD ctDNA approaches in collaboration with internal and external partners (including diagnostic companies and CROs)
Involvement in data analysis/QC, trouble-shooting, interpretation of results, and communication back to project teams. Familiarity with instrumentation and technologies is a must
Conceptualize, develop, and execute evaluations of platforms, vendors, and emerging technologies of clinical and translational utility and apply to address relevant needs
Provide technical advice and genomic/biomarker consultation to internal and external partners
Deliver biomarker assays and multi-omics datasets, leveraging sample management software, a LIMS system, Jira and other software tools for project tracking and communication, electronic lab notebooks for documentation, and written project reports clearly and concisely summarizing results
Work effectively with Translational Medicine Leads to consult on technologies, set expectations and timelines, develop project biomarker plans, and use fit-for-purpose platforms and technical approaches both internally and externally
Be accountable for high quality biomarker data generation, validation and results/report delivery in a timely manner and, in partnership with Translational Medicine Leads and Project Management, deliver report summaries to project teams and partners
Ensure that all nominated biomarkers are fit for purpose in the clinical environment
After qualifying relevant biomarkers, work in collaboration with diagnostic, clinical, and regulatory partners to develop companion diagnostics on internal and external projects
For biomarker work, maintain appropriate documentation, be compliant with internal and external requirements, assist in preparation of regulatory documents and responses to questions, and participate in external presentation of results and peer-reviewed journal publications
Where practical, leverage external partners for high-throughput sequencing, technology development, and other advanced genetics/genomics approaches
Minimum Requirements
Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field
3-5 years of experience
Proven track record utilizing a variety of next-gen omics approaches
Experience managing internal projects and external omics collaborations
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with clear documentation of work performed and ability to describe and understand its importance
Excellent problem-solving skills with clear understanding of the balance of innovation, smart risks, and project delivery
Good organizational and planning skills
Good interpersonal skills and ability to multi-task project work
“ When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world .”
Our Waltham, Massachusetts facility develops life changing small-molecule research in North America, with innovative laboratories at the Gatehouse Park Bio Hub, just west of the city center. Our BioHub facility, is a bold new R&D initiative, which fosters life science discoveries and the exchange of ideas. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location provides you the ability to work in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant research centers.
Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams and the greater research community.
As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release
Date Posted
06-Feb-2024Closing Date
06-Mar-2024Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form. AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.Job tags
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